Zack Steffen or Matt Turner: Who Will Stand in Goal for the USMNT at the World Cup?

Gregg Berhalter has a tough choice to make in the next few months. The USMNT is going to the World Cup in Qatar, and Berhalter has to choose between Zack Steffen or Matt Turner to start for the team in goal. It doesn’t end there as the USMNT’s options in goal are manifold.

However, Steffen and Turner are the two most likely options. Steffen had the number one spot for a long time, but he was recently usurped by Turner in the past year or so. Now with the new season coming upon us, things have completely flipped for both of them at club level.

Zack Steffen and his loan move to Middlesbrough

After playing just 9 games for Manchester City last season, Steffen knew he needed to change his club. The American shot-stopper joined English Championship club Middlesbrough on loan in search of some game time.?He’ll try to play his way back to the USMNT as Gregg Berhalter will keep an eye on his progress in England.

It’s a complete 180 from the last two seasons, where Steffen was comfortable playing second fiddle to Ederson at City. However, his form did drop last season, and he’ll need to recapture it to ensure that he starts for his nation.

Matt Turner still believes he has a chance to start for the USMNT

On the other hand, Matt Turner was starting on a regular basis for New England Revolution in the MLS. He was one of the best keepers in the country, and when Arsenal came calling, Turner gave in.

The American goalkeeper joined Arsenal on a permanent move, and will most likely be the second choice to Aaron Ramsdale. However, he will try to challenge Ramsdale for his spot as a lack of playing time might hurt his chances for the USMNT.

“Opportunities like this for players from the U.S. are few and far between. I wouldn’t say I’m worried or it’s a gamble. Playing consistently in MLS did not guarantee me the starting XI for the U.S. national team,” Turner said in an interview with ESPN.

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